It’s December and you know it! Christmas is fast approaching and you know what that means: all the new handbags are out. Right there on the counter, the choices can be overwhelming. Tote or shoulder? Clutch or mini with cross-body strap? And what size — small? Medium? Back-breaking? And what fabric — Leather? Sequins? Embroidered? Whatever your choice is, instead of picking up a fab little handbag featuring the season’s hottest trends, why not invest that cash into something spectacular you’ll love forever? Use these five quick tips to help you shop for a classic bag that’s anything but boring:

Hec Fashion Classic

Consider scale. If you’re a petite woman, you may get lost behind a behemoth of a handbag and conversely, if you’re a tall, curvy woman, a tiny clutch may not make quite the statement you’d like. So, choose a handbag that works with the size and shape of your frame, without over (or under)whelming it.

Examine the shape. To get a handbag you’ll love forever, it should boast a shape that complements yours – so shop with this mantra in mind: The rounder the figure, the more structured the bag. Check the seams. Look for strong, consistent seams that travel in straight lines and have no loose threads.

OCS Trend Stars

Put hardware to the test. Open and close the bag several times. Does the zipper stick? Do the snaps feel overly tight? Are the buckles hard to work? If so, keep shopping – because those little problems will only get worse over time.

JYM NEW

Avoid ornamentation. Uber-trendy elements might look great now, but what about next season? Instead, think classic, but not boring, and go for high-quality leather handbag instead. You can always accessorize your look with funky jewelry, colorful shoes or a stand-out scarf.

If you’re in Uyo, please stop by SIVIC BOUTIQUE, Ekpenyong Street to select a perfect-fit handbag of your choice. You can also buy from their online store at www.sivicboutique.com. Call them on 08066883636.